Part 1

Two months earlier

Eriko was drinking a latte in a cozy coffee shop in Edogawa with a book in hand, thus combining two of her favourite things. She often went there after a long week of work seeking the comfort and peace it provided.

So lost in her book, Eriko didn't realize someone was calling out to her until they repeated her name a couple more times.

"Daisuke-san! What a surprise!" A bright smile bloomed on her glossy lips.

"I'm happy to see you, Eriko! Didn't know you came to this café. Isn't it far from where you work?"

"You can say that, but I couldn't resist coming back after stumbling upon this place. Daisuke-san, sit down, please! Keep me company."

"Of course, thank you." He sat across from her and put his drink down, "What are you reading?"

"The manga I got today."

Daisuke let out a hearty laugh, "You and your manga. By now you probably lack space to fit them all."

Eriko laughed as well, "That might be true."

They met a year ago at a bar, each looking to relax after a rough day. Daisuke looking for a break from his recording sessions; Eriko had gotten in a nasty argument with her landlord adding yet another reason to move. They drowned their sorrows and laughed at them together. It was the beginning of a good friendship.

"How's work on the new anime going? When will I be able to enjoy your voice again?" Eriko asked with a cutesy smile, typical for how they usually flirted.

"Getting impatient, huh? I don't blame you. The anime's good, but the recordings aren't easy. You'll have to wait a bit more.", Daisuke gave her a boyish wink and took a sip of his coffee.

"Awww…", Eriko sighed dramatically and went back to reading.

"What are you doing?" He asked curiously.

Eriko looked away from the manga, "You told me to wait so I'm waiting. You know I can't just sit around and do nothing!"

Daisuke burst out laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes, "In that case, you'd have to read a whole lot of manga.", he warned her.

"Is that a challenge?", Eriko raised an eyebrow.

"For you - I doubt it."

"Correct answer."